West Belmar Man Dies In Vine Street House Fire, Police Say

A Wall Township man perished in a fire early Sunday, despite the efforts of firefighters and first aid squad members‘ attempts to save him, police said.

The man’s body was found inside the home in the West Belmar section of the township after the fire was extinguished, Wall Township Police Chief Robert L. Brice said in a news release.

The fire broke out early Sunday morning; firefighter were dispatched to the Vine Street home about 1 a.m., Brice said, Reports at the scene were that an adult male, the sole occupant of the residence, was still believed to be inside, he said. The fire was extinguished by members of the West Belmar, Glendola, and South Wall fire companies, he said.

According to the Asbury Park Press, neighbors identified the man as oel Coutinho, 53.

Wall Township First Aid and MONOC Paramedics also responded, Brice said.

The fire is being investigated by the Wall Township Police Detective Bureau, Monmouth County Prosecutors Office, Monmouth County Fire Marshalls Office and the Wall Township Fire Prevention Bureau.

To read the entire story, click here.